Retired Bengals player has a heartwarming reason why he considers himself a Bengal for life

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By John Sheeran | Last updated Jun 2, 2024 6:35 PM ET

Tragedy struck former Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard and his wife Chloe in February when their newborn son passed away.

It was an undoubtedly tough time for Bernard and his family. The former 10-year NFL veteran retired last year and has been out of football ever since.

But the Bengals didn't forget about Bernard, and that has made an impact on him for the better.

Bernard took part in Logan Wilson's second annual Celebrity Softball Game featuring current and former Bengals players and coaches. Bernard and Wilson were teammates during the 2020 season.

In speaking to reporters at the event, Bernard mentioned that the Bengals reached out to him shortly after his son's passing, and why it's just one reason he considers himself a Bengal for life.

"For sure," Bernard said with a smile. "To be honest, my family and I, we've experienced some tough times recently. One of the reasons why I know I'm a Bengal is because the Bengals were the ones to reach out to me and my family during this tough time.

"I had coaches reach out to me, players reach out to me, and just something that I'm super grateful for."

Asked Gio Bernard if he considers himself a Bengal for life. His answer points to the close-knit family-like environment in the organization. pic.twitter.com/RBy12hF3nH
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) June 1, 2024

Only 13 other Bengals played more games in the 2010s than Bernard, the 37th overall pick from the 2013 NFL Draft. He was a staple of Cincinnati's offense during a handful of formative playoff seasons, and it didn't take for him to become a fan favorite as well.

It's been four years since Bernard wore the #25 jersey in Cincinnati, but the Bengals did a great thing by keeping him in their hearts. It's clearly something Bernard wants to reciprocate.

"That was just a stamp on the newsletter that these people care about you, this community cares about you, and you should do the same for them."

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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